Age, asthma, Achilles don’t keep Amey from winning Ironman

Updated 9:38 pm, Saturday, May 18, 2013

AJ Baucco adjusts his goggles before entering the water to start the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

AJ Baucco adjusts his goggles before entering the water to start the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Barry Allen Warner (2719) enters the water for the start of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Barry Allen Warner (2719) enters the water for the start of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Triathletes line the shore of Lake Woodlands for the start of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Triathletes line the shore of Lake Woodlands for the start of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Triathlon fans gather on a bridge that overlooks Lake Woodlands for the start of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Triathlon fans gather on a bridge that overlooks Lake Woodlands for the start of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Triathletes hold onto a dock in Lake Woodlands as they wait for the start of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Triathletes hold onto a dock in Lake Woodlands as they wait for the start of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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A fan holds up a funny sign at the start of the swim portion of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

A fan holds up a funny sign at the start of the swim portion of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Triathletes enter the water in Lake Woodlands for the start of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Triathletes enter the water in Lake Woodlands for the start of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Triathletes start the swim portion of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Triathletes start the swim portion of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Andrew Hodges (35) is followed by Ian Mikelson (20) as they swim up The Woodlands Waterway canal toward the end of the swim portion of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands. less

Andrew Hodges (35) is followed by Ian Mikelson (20) as they swim up The Woodlands Waterway canal toward the end of the swim portion of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Ashley Clifford, left, Keiko Tanaka (69) and Justin Daerr (1) swim up The Woodlands Waterway canal toward the end of the swim portion of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands. less

Ashley Clifford, left, Keiko Tanaka (69) and Justin Daerr (1) swim up The Woodlands Waterway canal toward the end of the swim portion of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Mike Hermanson (12) swims to the end of the swim portion of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Mike Hermanson (12) swims to the end of the swim portion of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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A triathlete runs toward the cycling portion of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

A triathlete runs toward the cycling portion of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Sean Leneave, of Conroe, comes out of the water to finish the swim portion of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Sean Leneave, of Conroe, comes out of the water to finish the swim portion of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Triathletes begin the cycling portion of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Triathletes begin the cycling portion of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Triathletes begin the cycling portion of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Triathletes begin the cycling portion of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Paul Amey, of Great Britain, raises his arms as he crosses the finish line to win the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Paul Amey, of Great Britain, raises his arms as he crosses the finish line to win the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Jessica McLean (174) runs to the cycling start point during the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Jessica McLean (174) runs to the cycling start point during the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Paul Amey, of Great Britain, raises his arms as he crosses the finish line to win the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Paul Amey, of Great Britain, raises his arms as he crosses the finish line to win the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Rachel Joyce, of Great Britain, slaps hands with supporters after she won the women's division of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Rachel Joyce, of Great Britain, slaps hands with supporters after she won the women's division of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Paul Amey, of Great Britain, raises his arms as he crosses the finish line to win the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Paul Amey, of Great Britain, raises his arms as he crosses the finish line to win the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Paul Amey, of Great Britain, slaps hands with supporters as he runs to the finish line to win the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Paul Amey, of Great Britain, slaps hands with supporters as he runs to the finish line to win the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Rachel Joyce, of Great Britain, raises her arms as she wins the women's division of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Rachel Joyce, of Great Britain, raises her arms as she wins the women's division of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Michele Burzynski dressed as a banana cheers on runners along The Woodlands Waterway during the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Michele Burzynski dressed as a banana cheers on runners along The Woodlands Waterway during the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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A triathlete takes off her shoes at the transition point between the cycling and the marathon of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

A triathlete takes off her shoes at the transition point between the cycling and the marathon of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Rachel Joyce, of Great Britain, raises her arms as she runs to the finish line to win the women's division of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Rachel Joyce, of Great Britain, raises her arms as she runs to the finish line to win the women's division of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Ian Mikelson celebrates as he finishes in third place in the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Ian Mikelson celebrates as he finishes in third place in the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Ian Mikelson splashes water over his head after finishing third in the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Ian Mikelson splashes water over his head after finishing third in the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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James Cunnama raises his arms as he crosses the finish line for second place in the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

James Cunnama raises his arms as he crosses the finish line for second place in the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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James Cunnama pumps his fist as he crosses the finish line for second place in the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

James Cunnama pumps his fist as he crosses the finish line for second place in the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Finisher medals are shown at the finish line of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Finisher medals are shown at the finish line of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Triathletes begin the cycling portion of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Triathletes begin the cycling portion of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Triathletes make the transition between cycling and the marathon during the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Triathletes make the transition between cycling and the marathon during the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Ray Shane rides to the end of the cycling leg of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Ray Shane rides to the end of the cycling leg of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Anne Thilges rides to the end of the cycling leg of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Anne Thilges rides to the end of the cycling leg of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Guillaume de Zwirek runs under an arched tunnel along The Woodlands Waterway during the marathon portion of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Guillaume de Zwirek runs under an arched tunnel along The Woodlands Waterway during the marathon portion of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Stephan Huber runs to the transition point after his cycling leg of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Stephan Huber runs to the transition point after his cycling leg of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas triathlon Saturday, May 18, 2013, in The Woodlands.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Age, asthma, Achilles don’t keep Amey from winning Ironman

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THE WOODLANDS - Accomplished duathlete and triathlete Paul Amey ramped up his workload when many athletes are slowing down.

At 39, he's a first-time Ironman champion.

Amey, a native of Great Britain who lives in California, won the third Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas on a hot, steamy Saturday, finishing in 8 hours, 25 minutes and 6 seconds.

"Ironman's got nothing to do with speed or heart rate, or anything like that," Amey said. "It's got to do with how your body's adapted over multiple years, an accumulation of years and years of training, and your nutrition plans and all that kind of stuff, so it does suit the older athletes."

A former champ on the ITU World Cup circuit, where the distances are much shorter than the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run at an Ironman, Amey qualified for the British Triathlon Olympic team in 2004 but withdrew three weeks before competition with a broken pelvis.

After recovering, he claimed the first of three World Duathlon titles in 2005.

Then, in 2008, Amey went Ironman.

Heat a factor

Going into Saturday's race, he had recorded six top-five finishes in the last two years but was never first to the tape. He placed second at Ironman Arizona in 2011 and Ironman France in 2012.

More Information

Results

Men

1. Paul Amey, Cardiff, Calif., 8 hours, 25 minutes, 6 seconds.

2. James Cunnama, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 8:27:35.

3. Ian Mikelson, Torrance, Calif., 8:30:06.

4. Justin Daerr, Boulder, Colo., 8:30:35.

5. Swen Sundberg, Herzogenaurach, Germany, 8:37:30.

6. Jan Raphael, Hannover, Germany, 8:42:34.

7. Balazs Csoke, The Woodlands, 8:44:01.

8. AJ Baucco, Cleaveland, Ohio, 8:53:37.

9. James Chesson, Bedminster, N.J., 8:53:44.

10. Mike Schifferle, Ballwil, Switzerland, 8:56:06.

Women

1. Rachel Joyce, South Cave, England, 8:49:14.

2. Jennie Hansen, Rochester, N.Y., 9:25:35.

3. Kimberly Schwabenbauer, Knox, Pa., 9:33:01.

4. Ashley Clifford, Carmel, Ind., 9:36:51.

5. Christine Anderson, Boulder, Colo., 9:44:51.

6. Amy Marsh, Austin, 9:55:49.

7. April Gellatly, Sugar Hill, Ga., 10:01:54.

8. Sarah Hankla, Round Rock, 10:04:41.

9. Olesya Prystayko, Zhytomyr, Ukraine, 10:08:49.

10. Emily Kratz, Minneapolis, Minn., 10:18:34.

"Even though it really hurts doing it, and you always think, 'Why am I doing this?' Afterward, when you have a good day like this, it makes it all worth it," Amey said.

The end was good. Most of the rest was bad.

Amey, who battles asthma, had trouble breathing during the swim in Lake Woodlands, forcing him to slow down and breaststroke. He came out of the water in 54:54, well behind the leaders.

"I felt terrible on the bike," Amey said. "(But) as the day got on, when the other guys started getting tired, I was a little bit used to the heat. So it brought them down to how I was feeling, and so, in comparison to everybody else, I actually started riding not too bad.

"And then I got to the run, and that was it. I wasn't breathing too hard, and the heat played a factor and everybody wasn't running that quick."

Daerr places fourth

Amey finished the bike ride in 4:29:07.

He fought through an injured left Achilles on the last leg of the marathon, which forced him to ease up again, but he still finished in 2:56:18.

"Luckily enough, I got enough of a gap on the first lap to hang on in the end," Amey said.

"So all in all, I'm so happy to win, but it was actually a terrible day - not the day I was hoping to have."

South Africa's James Cunnama, who pushed Amey at the end, took second with a time of 8:27:35.

"I was getting splits and people were saying, '(Amey's) just up the road, he's 200 meters,' and I kept pushing, but it was pushing with the hope that he'd cramp and blow," Cunnama said. "I didn't really have much hope if he kept running.

"Making up two minutes in two miles is not going to happen."

Californian Ian Mikelson made his first Ironman podium, taking third in 8:30:06. Good friend Justin Daerr, a Houston native who placed second here last year, slipped to fourth (8:30:35).